Simple Ways to Get the Most out of Your Refrigerator

When it comes to essential appliances, few are more important than refrigerators. In the absence of a functional fridge, storing meat, produce, dairy and other perishable food items would prove downright impossible for most modern-day households. In addition to being essential, refrigerators are fairly expensive, with high-end models carrying particularly hefty price tags. As such, it’s in the best interest of every cost-conscious household to keep their fridge in peak condition. To ensure that your refrigerator remains in working order for the foreseeable future, put the following tips to good use.  

Regular Maintenance Visits 

In order to operate at peak efficiency, most fridges need to receive regular maintenance visits. Although the level of frequency varies by brand and model, the average refrigerator will generally require one maintenance visit every six months. These visits typically entail a seasoned professional performing a thorough inspection of the device and making note of any prospective problems they encounter. Early detection of small problems stands to save you a small fortune in repair costs down the line. 

Acquainting yourself with a good maintenance service can also prove helpful the next time you find yourself in need of refrigerator repair. Even the most dependable fridge is going to require the occasional repair, and the next time your refrigerator exhibits a problem, having a reliable maintenance service in your contacts will provide tremendous peace of mind. Still, the better you are about keeping up with maintenance visits, the less often your fridge will need to be repaired. 

Cleaning Condenser Coils 

Cleaning your fridge’s condenser coils is among the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of the device. Unsurprisingly, these coils attract a fair amount of dust, dirt and grime. Over time, all this filth accumulates and makes it difficult for refrigerators to run efficiently. Furthermore, since dirty condenser coils make refrigerators expend more energy, failure to clean them can result in pricier power bills. The harder your fridge works, the shorter its lifespan is likely to be, so in the interest of keeping the device operational, you’ll need to stay on top of coil cleanings.

While coil cleaning may be slightly cumbersome, it’s by no means difficult. After unplugging your fridge and pulling it a safe distance away from the wall, simply locate the device’s coils. On most older fridges, they’re located in the back, but many newer models have them beneath the bottom panel. If you’re unclear on the location of the coils or how to remove your refrigerator’s bottom panel, consult the device’s owner’s manual. Once you’ve gained access to the coils, loosen any dirt with a soft-bristled brush, then use a narrow-nozzle hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining filth. 

In addition to being easy, coil cleanings don’t need to be carried out very frequently. On average, one cleaning every six months should keep the coils in working order. However, if you have pets, you may want to carry out these cleanings more often, as dander and fur have a tendency to accumulate on refrigerator coils.   

Testing Door Seals 

Your refrigerator’s door seal plays a crucial role in preventing cold air from escaping and warm air from entering the device. The more warm air is able to find its way into your fridge, the harder the device will have to work. With this in mind, make a point of regularly testing the aforementioned seals. To do this, simply close the door on a piece of paper, then pull the paper out. If you don’t feel any tension when performing the second step, the seal has likely worn out and needs to be replaced. Additionally, take care to regularly inspect the seal for cracking and a lack of flexibility. 

Your refrigerator works harder than virtually any other appliance in your home. In order to preserve your food, your fridge goes above and beyond the call of duty all day every day. In light of the tremendous burden placed on this essential appliance, the least you can do is ensure that it’s properly cared for. Unfortunately, many households have a tendency to take refrigerators for granted until unexpected mishaps or breakdowns occur. However, with the help of the pointers discussed above, you can give your fridge the TLC it deserves without putting a dent in your finances.